Pakistan Issues Visas to Indian Pilgrims

Pakistan has granted visas to Indian pilgrims for their upcoming visit to the sacred Shree Katas Raj Temples in Chakwal district.

The High Commission for Pakistan in New Delhi issued 154 visas to the group, allowing them to participate in the pilgrimage scheduled from February 24 to March 2, 2025.

On this occasion, Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires, Saad Ahmad Warraich, extended his best wishes to the pilgrims, hoping for a spiritually enriching journey. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating such visits under its policy of promoting interfaith harmony and mutual understanding.

Under the 1974 Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines, thousands of Indian pilgrims visit Pakistan annually to attend various religious festivals. Pakistan consistently issues visas to Indian pilgrims; however, recent trends show a contrasting approach from India.

Last month, New Delhi denied visas to 400 Pakistani pilgrims intending to attend the Urs at Ajmer Sharif, issuing only 100 visas despite an agreed quota of 500. Muhammad Umar Butt, spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, expressed concern over India’s restrictions this year.

Previously, the Pakistan High Commission issued 94 visas to Indian pilgrims attending the 316th Birth Anniversary Celebrations of Shiv Avtari Stguru Sant Shadaram Sahib at Shadani Darbar in Sindh from January 5 to 15. On that occasion as well, Saad Ahmad Warraich conveyed his hopes for a meaningful pilgrimage experience.